Mitch | July 23, 2024 | Car Accidents
According to car accident statistics, most drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident once every 18 years. This means that over the course of a normal driving lifetime, you can expect to have 3 to 4 collisions. Since 43% of all vehicle collisions result in injury (or death), at least 1 of your accidents will involve injury. That’s why it is important to know what you should and should not do if you’re in a vehicle collision.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
In most states, including Alabama, it is a CRIME to leave the scene of an accident. At the least, you will probably lose your license. It doesn’t matter whether the accident is your fault or not. Anyone who leaves the scene can be charged with a crime by leaving before the police arrive to investigate. DO NOT BE PERSUADED by a driver who tries to get you to leave the scene before police arrive. Way too often, this will come back to haunt you. Frequently the other driver changes their story and claims that YOU are at fault. If you don’t have a police report to back you up, your case just became much tougher to prove.
Move to Safety
You should try to get off of the roadway so as to reduce the danger to other drivers and yourself. If your vehicle is not drivable, engage emergency flashers and use flares or markers to warn others of the hazard. Get everyone who is physically able, out of the vehicle and well off of the roadway for safety purposes. DO NOT THINK YOU ARE SAFE sitting in your car – especially along a busy highway! Get well away from your vehicle if possible.
Check Everyone For Injuries
Immediately assess your passenger to determine if anyone is hurt. After you have done that, check the people in the other vehicle for the same thing.Provide help and assistance as you’re able.
Call 911 for Police and Any Medical Assistance Needed
Immediately contact 911 to report the accident and any need for medical attention. Even if the accident is minor, it should be reported and an accident report made. If you fail to get an accident report You could jeopardize your ability to later prove what happened.
Be Polite and Do Not Lose your Cool
Being involved in a collision can be very traumatic and emotional – especially if it’s due to someone else’s fault. It is a natural human tendency to have feelings of anxiety, anger, and hostility in this situation. Nonetheless, you will be best served by maintaining your composure and treating everyone involved in a polite manner. Likewise, you should be fully cooperative with the police who arrive on the scene.
Document the Facts and Circumstances
Gather and document as much information as possible while at the accident scene. You will find it much easier in dealing with investigations, insurance claims, attorneys, and lawsuits later. Your documentation should include:
- Exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver
- Noting the name(s) and contact information of any witnesses
- Noting the name and badge number of the investigating officer
- Observing the other vehicle, make, model, license # and damage
- Noting the number of persons in the other vehicle (as well as yours)
- Noting any apparent injuries of all persons involved
- Documenting any statements made by others, including the police
- Recording the date, time, location, weather conditions and circumstances of how the accident occurred
- If possible, taking PHOTOGRAPHS of the accident scene and vehicles involved
- Maintain a file of this information and add to it with all records, receipts, calls and related communications
DO NOT Admit That the Accident Was Your Fault (Even if it was)
You should be fully cooperative with the police in telling them what happened. Nonetheless it is very important that you never admit that you caused the accident, even if you think you did. While you may think that you caused the accident, there may be unknown circumstances – which suggest otherwise. Likewise, do not discuss the facts and circumstances of the accident with the anyone else at the scene. It goes without saying that you should never sign any statements or releases at the scene.
Remove Your Valuables
If your car is having to be towed from the scene, remove valuables, including wallet, sunglasses, registration, title certificate, etc. before the car is taken away.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Often injuries don’t show up immediately or don’t appear to be as serious as they really are at the time. It is not unusual for serious symptoms to show up hours or even a couple of days later. If there’s any question as to whether you are injured, you should immediately seek medical treatment or evaluation. DELAY in seeking medical treatment makes it difficult to later claim you were injured in the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Regardless of fault, it is imperative that you notify your insurance company immediately after the accident. Disputes often arise as to who is at fault in causing an accident. Your insurance will cover you against claims against you only if you have timely reported the accident to them. All policies have provisions that allow your insurance company to deny coverage for you if you fail to notify them. Do this regardless of fault and even if you do not intend to make a claim against your insurance company.
Let An Experienced Attorney Answer Questions About Your Vehicle Accident
Since 1952, attorneys with the Lattof & Lattof law firm have helped victims of vehicle collisions and all types of accidents. It would be our pleasure to review your case with you and discuss your rights, remedies and options. Get in touch with us now for a FREE consultation, by calling our office at (251) 432-6691 or completing a request form [link]. We’d be delighted to represent you and your loved ones and help you to obtain the compensation you deserve.